A Historic Milestone in De-Extinction

Colossal’s recent advancements in genetic engineering have marked a significant milestone in their de-extinction project. Ben Lamm, co-founder of the company, commented, “The Colossal woolly mouse marks a watershed moment in our de-extinction mission. This success brings us a step closer to our goal of bringing back the woolly mammoth.”

Functional De-Extinction: A New Approach

Rather than completely recreating the woolly mammoth, Colossal’s research team aims for “functional de-extinction.” This innovative strategy focuses on developing an elephant species capable of surviving in environments similar to those where woolly mammoths once thrived. The objective is to restore ecological balance; for example, an “Arctic-adapted elephant” could help seed plants and contribute to ecosystem resilience against climate change.

Expert Perspectives: Skepticism Abounds

While ambition drives this genetic endeavor, experts express caution. Kevin Daly, a paleogeneticist from University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, emphasized the unpredictability of ecological outcomes. He stated, “I think this is a very optimistic view of the potential ecological effects of mammoth reintroduction, even if everything goes to plan. It would be hubristic to think we might have a complete grasp on what the introduction of a species such as the mammoth might do to an environment.”

Starting with Mice: The Rationale

Colossal’s approach begins with modifications in mice, providing a simpler model before manipulating genes in endangered Asian elephants. As indicated by researcher Shapiro, the quick gestation period of 20 days in mice compared to the 22 months for elephants accelerates research opportunities.

Additionally, extensive studies on mouse genetics have revealed genes associated with traits like wavy, light-colored fur and lipid metabolism. By identifying such genes present in both mice and woolly mammoths, researchers can create a shortlist for targeted analysis.

Targeted Genetic Editing

Through rigorous experimentation using gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR, the research team has identified ten mouse genes believed to be linked to mammoth-like features. However, direct gene transfer from mammoths into mice is not feasible due to the substantial evolutionary divergence of approximately 200 million years.

The team has employed innovative methods: editing mouse embryos directly or modifying individual cells before implanting them into surrogate mothers. This blended approach promises to enhance safety and efficacy in future endeavors with elephants.